AceShowbiz -

After showing impressive performances in their first seasons so far, three new series have received early renewals. "Scorpion", "NCIS: New Orleans" and "Madam Secretary" have been picked up for a second season by CBS.

"These freshman dramas have each made a big impact on key nights of the week," the network's entertainment chairman Nina Tassler said at the TCA's press tour on Monday, January 12. "Creatively distinctive, the series are backed by strong showrunners with amazingly talented casts, and have resonated with a big, broad audience."

"Stalker", which received a full-season order back in October along with those three new dramas, is still in consideration for another season. Freshman comedy "The McCarthys" was given a short order this season, but Tassler said, "It's certainly a contender for next year." She explained that the short season order was a way "to get new shows on the air, which is [what we had to do to launch] 'Odd Couple'."

The network is also gearing up to release miniseries "The Dovekeepers" which is led by "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service" alumna Cote de Pablo. Based on Alice Hoffman's acclaimed historical novel, it follows four extraordinary women whose lives intersect in a fight for survival during the siege of Masada by the Roman army.

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, who were behind History Channel's hit miniseries "The Bible", produce "The Dovekeepers". A trailer has been released in anticipation of the March 31 premiere of the four-hour limited series.

Back to the TCA's press tour, Tassler revealed two lesser-rated shows "The Amazing Race" and "Extant" would feature changes in the upcoming season. "We've encouraged [executive producer Bertram van Munster] and his team, and they've responded, in terms of making changes and adjustments-there's going to be surprises," she said of the veteran reality competition series.

Of the summer series starring Hally Berry, Tassler said, "Molly's character is going to be much more proactive."